Pacman Da Gunman & Hit-Boy — Bulletproof Soul

Los Angeles rapper Pacman Da Gunman’s gruff sound and storytelling set him apart. The All Money In artist has been cited as carrying on the Crenshaw legacy of the late Nipsey Hussle, and Pacman’s latest album—produced by Hit-Boy—clearly has legacy in mind. Bulletproof Soul is a gutsy nine-song project where the past and future weigh heavily on Pacman’s mind, as on “Cold Nights on 60th Street.” Peezy, Dom Kennedy, Yhung T.O,, and more lend guest verses.

Uncle Waffles — Red Dragon

Uncle Waffles is a South African DJ with easily the best name in electronic music. A Drake co-sign in 2021 led to a viral moment for the artist, who just released her debut EP Red Dragon on March 30. The EP is marked by infectious polyrhythms and Uncle Waffles’ great ear for collaboration. The eight-minute epic “Love I Need” has an intimate touch as it swells and flows. “uMalume Wako” relies on compounding layers of percussion, giving the tune a dynamic feel.

French The Kid — Never Been Ordinary

UK rapper French The Kid has been working on his debut mixtape Never Been Ordinary since 2020. His brand of heartfelt lyrics and melodic drill tunes come together on singles “Remedy” and “Thrill,” the latter of which was his true breakout moment. This tape’s overarching melancholic tones are balanced by French’s sincerity on a song like “Conversations.” Never Been Ordinary summons those warm feelings of witnessing a well-deserved come-up.

YTK — I’M TRYING, TO BE

In 2021, Baltimore rapper YTK went viral for his spin on Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off.” That song eventually found a home on the 2021 project Blachunny. This year, he returns with I’M TRYING, TO BE, a five-pack of songs ranging from warping and expansive singing (“Kitchen”) to breathless raps (“ZAZA”). Much like 2019’s BEREA—the first time I got put on to YTK—this new project shines most when he experiments with song structure.

Christian Alexander — I Don’t Like You

Don’t let the album title fool you here—Christian Alexander is a tender soul. With two projects and an EP behind him, I Don’t Like You is the formal debut from the Lancashire artist splitting the difference between bedroom pop and acoustic singer-songwriter. “Paper Bag” in particular feels like being trapped in a loop of memories. Inspired by a key moment of listening to Nirvana before a nap, the album sees Christian realizing a series of demos into fully developed songs with production and creative assistance from the BROCKHAMPTON boys.

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